Grilled Chicken Skewers with Acorn Squash, Spring Onions, and Tamarind Garlic Cilantro Marinade

Name: Grilled Chicken Skewers with Acorn Squash, Spring Onions, and Tamarind Garlic Cilantro Marinade
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 48 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Fusión a la parrilla
Ingredients: 1.5 lb skinless chicken breast, cut into 1.25-inch cubes; 1 lb acorn squash, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes; 8 pieces spring onions; 3 tbsp tamarind paste; 4 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp lime juice; 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 8 pieces skewers

An original grilled recipe featuring juicy chicken cubes, tender acorn squash, and charred spring onions coated in a bold tamarind, garlic, cilantro, and cumin marinade. The result is a balanced skewer with tangy, naturally sweet, and smoky flavors.

30 minPrep

18 minCook

48 minTotal

4Servings

Dairy-FreeGluten-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings

700 g skinless chicken breast, cut into 1.25-inch cubes (for the brochetas)
450 g acorn squash, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes (blanqueada brevemente if desired a textura more tierna)
8 pieces spring onions (cut en trozos of 4 cm)
45 ml tamarind paste (for the adobo)
60 ml olive oil (divided entre adobo and cocción)
18 g fresh garlic, minced (approx. 4 cloves)
20 g fresh cilantro, chopped (incluye leaves and stalks tiernos)
4 g ground cumin (for the adobo)
3 g smoked paprika (for the adobo)
15 ml honey (equilibra the acidez of the tamarindo)
30 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
8 g kosher salt (or to taste)
2 g ground black pepper (freshly ground)
1 g red pepper flakes (optional)
8 pieces skewers (si son of madera, remojar 30 minutos)

Nutrition facts

per serving

332 kcal

Calories

39 g

Protein

14 g

Carbs

13 g

Fat

2.5 g

Fiber

11.5 g

Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

No declared allergens

Instructions

1
1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 400 °F / 205 °C.
2
2. In a large bowl, combine the tamarind paste, 45 ml (3 tbsp) olive oil, minced garlic, cilantro, ground cumin, smoked paprika, honey, lime juice, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until you have a smooth marinade.
3
3. Add the chicken to the bowl and toss well to coat completely with the marinade. Let it rest for 15 minutes in a cool spot while you prepare the vegetables.
4
4. Place the acorn squash cubes in a microwave-safe container with 2 tablespoons of water, cover partially, and cook for 3 minutes to soften slightly. Drain well and toss with the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil.
5
5. Thread the chicken, acorn squash, and spring onion pieces onto each skewer, alternating evenly until all ingredients are used.
6
6. Clean and lightly oil the grill grates. Place the skewers over medium-high heat, 400 °F / 205 °C, and grill for 7 minutes.
7
7. Turn the skewers and continue grilling for 7 to 9 more minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F / 74 °C, the squash is tender, and the spring onions are charred at the edges.
8
8. Transfer the skewers to a serving platter and let them rest for 2 minutes before serving so the chicken juices can redistribute.
9
9. Serve the skewers hot, topped with any remaining cilantro and a few extra drops of lime juice if desired.

Chef tips

For more even charring, do not pack the ingredients too tightly on the skewers. If the acorn squash is very firm, you can blanch it for 2 minutes in boiling water instead of microwaving it.

Substitutions

You can substitute the acorn squash with pre-cooked sweet potato cubes or butternut squash. The chicken may be replaced with boneless thigh meat for a juicier result. The honey can be omitted or replaced with agave syrup if you prefer a different sweetness.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

Illustrative image
TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
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Illustrative image
Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
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Illustrative image
Teakhaus Teak Cutting Board
Stable base for chopping
- Stable surface for chopping
- Gentle on your knife edge
- Hand-wash and let it dry
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